That’s a wrap on 2022!
What a year it has been!
We hate to jump on a bandwagon, but we can’t help but reflect on just how much has changed over the past year, and how far the industry has come since the dark days of travel bans and mandatory lockdowns.
Looking back, it’s hard to believe that at this time last year, inbound travel restrictions and the cruise ban were still firmly in place, and overseas travel was still well out of reach for many Aussies.
Things may not be 100 per cent back to normal for the travel industry, but it’s safe to say that we are now well on our way.
To put a big full-stop on the year, we’re looking back by recounting our top-read articles for 2022 for some good old-fashioned reminiscing and, if we’re honest, a bit of navel-gazing.
So what can we say about 2022? Well, first of all, we can say that you lot are a well-informed bunch because many of our most-read stories of the year were hard-hitting newsy morsels (crazy, we know).
1. River cruise cancellation fears loom as Rhine threatens closure
River cruise cancellation fears loom as Rhine threatens closure
Europe’s summer heatwaves came damn close to putting a damper on your clients’ river cruise jaunts, but given the sheer number of you that kept on top of this story, we can only assume their plans were in good hands.
2. Construction halted at W Sydney and Ritz-Carlton Melbourne following Probuild collapse
Construction halted at W Sydney and Ritz-Carlton Melbourne following Probuild collapse
Shout-out to our accommodation sector readers and those who simply love a good hotel scandal. Your clicks put this baby in second place.
3. Japan to allow non-guided groups, solo travellers & raises entry cap
Japan to allow non-guided groups, solo travellers & raises entry cap
The most sought-after destination for 2022 was by far Japan if our readers’ interest was anything to go by. You lot hung onto every update from the land of the rising sun with bated breath.
4. WATCH: United Airlines worker brawls with former NFL player
Well, who wouldn’t want to see that, really? We don’t blame you.
5. “Our moment was destroyed”: Disney apologises after staff member botches marriage proposal
“Our moment was destroyed”: Disney apologises after staff member botches marriage proposal
And you didn’t just love our kooky aviation stories, you also couldn’t get enough of this bizarre Disney situation.
6. Updated travel requirements: here’s everything you need to know
Updated travel requirements: here’s everything you need to know
What a throwback! Feels like years since we had to worry about domestic travel restrictions. Let’s hope we never have to report on those again.
7. Australia prepares to lift inbound travel ban as Scomo hints at further economic support for tourism
Australia prepares to lift inbound travel ban as Scomo hints at further economic support for tourism
Double wow, there! Inbound travel numbers may not have quite reached pre-pandemic levels, but it’s still hard to fathom that the border was still closed in February! AND that Scomo was still the PM, TBH.
8. Expensive flights, delays and new advice for eastern Europe: How Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will affect travel
While devastating news such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is never fun to report on, we sure do take pride in keeping you all informed on how major events impact your clients and the industry as a whole.
9. Disney Cruise Line is coming to Australia & NZ
After the past few years, we don’t blame you for being stoked to welcome a bit of Disney magic to Aussie shores.
10. Virgin goes after Qantas frequent flyers in “Velocity switch-a-roo” offer
Virgin goes after Qantas frequent flyers in “Velocity switch-a-roo” offer
And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a bit of airline drama?
Anyway, that’s it from us for now! From the team at Travel Weekly, we hope you have a wonderful festive season and we can’t wait to be back in your inboxes in 2023 to keep you informed, connected and, hopefully, have a few laughs along the way.
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